Last summer, Red Rocks was the world’s highest-attended outdoor music venue and it appears that attendance is again surging this Summer.
Enjoy some historical photos from the Denver Public Library showing what the iconic concert venue looked like back then! Enjoy!
It’s a Natural Wonder
Setting elevates the concert experience to new heights. Over millions of years, geologic forces and hardworking men of the Civilian Conservation Corps worked to craft this remarkable venue and park. Since its official opening in 1941, generations of dinos, ancient tribes, settlers, industrial businessmen, artists, preservationists, musicians and others have come to this venue where music has always been part of its fabric.
Natural amphitheaters are legendary, with unmatched sound. No matter where you sit – be it front row or lawn seating – no bad seat can be found – although windy nights may reduce sound quality at higher sections of seating.
Blankets are allowed, though their dimensions must not exceed 40″x 60,” and must remain within ticketed seating areas. Food and nonalcoholic beverages (alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited). Bring binoculars as the natural cliffs provide habitat for northern fence lizards and western rattlesnakes.
It’s a Great Place to Run
Red Rocks Amphitheatre will captivate music fans of all kinds with its natural beauty and exceptional acoustics, impressing even artists that could easily fill up larger stadiums with their performances but choose this venue instead because it serves as one of those once-in-a-lifetime experience venues.
Though best known as a concert venue, this park isn’t limited to concerts alone; exercise enthusiasts come here for early morning staircase runs and Yoga on the Rocks (one of the most inspiring downward dog sessions available) each summer. A short hike from here takes visitors to Trading Post Trail and Dinosaur Ridge where visitors can witness Cretaceous dinosaur footprints and bones dating back 66 million years!
Park visitors are welcome from an hour before sunrise until an hour after sunset, providing ample time for exploring its hiking trails, learning more about geology of rocks at the Visitor Center, touring amphitheater and getting great views from its top steps. The sandstone formations at these falls are twice higher than Niagara Falls for spectacular viewing views from above!
It’s a Great Place to Explore
Red Rocks provides Coloradoans with an experience unlike any other. The venue‘s incredible acoustics are further enhanced by its vast sandstone formations that surround it, creating an extraordinary sound. Red Rocks has played host to legendary acts like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Grateful Dead; among many others.
The park boasts many other attractions beyond just its amphitheater. Hike the Trading Post Trail to gain more insight into rock formation, or join Yoga on the Rocks for an invigorating downward dog session. Plus don’t forget the 30,000-square-foot visitor center featuring an underground museum on rock formation as well as Southwest-style Ship Rock Grille!
Parking may take some time if Upper North is full and you’re directed to Lower North; make sure you allow plenty of time and bring water and snacks for the journey. Also note that no glass containers are permitted at the venue; blankets of up to 40″x 60″ size may be brought; nonalcoholic beverages in factory sealed plastic containers may also be brought unless specifically prohibited by show producers.
It’s a Great Place to Party
Red Rocks boasts towering red sandstone formations and the Denver skyline as its backdrop, creating the ideal setting for an impressive concert experience. Its acoustics are impressive no matter where you sit in the venue while its large TV screens in general admission make viewing performers up close easier than ever before.
Red Rocks’ energy is contagious, whether you’re there for a blues concert or heavy metal show. On my recent visit, an enthusiastic group of Vikings sang along to Amon Amarth – a real-life Viking group you didn’t realize you needed!- as they pounded out death metal battle anthems such as “Hammer Smashed Face.”
When attending a show here, make sure to arrive early and secure one of the coveted parking spots in the Upper North Lot. It offers the easiest access via an iconic tunnel! Plus, this will give you access to real bathrooms instead of just port-a-potties!